Community Garden

The Altoona Community Garden opened in the Spring of 2014. It contains 42 garden plots located in the SW corner of Lions Park, 507 13th Avenue SW (take 15th Ave. SW and it takes you right to the garden). It was an amazing process to watch an empty field transform into a functional community garden with many amenities including:

spring and fall tilling

compost bins

water

tool shed

picnic table and bench

message board

Large garden plots are 15 ft. x 6 ft and rent for $35.00 for the season.

Small herb, vegetable or flower plots are 6 ft. x 6 ft. and rent for $10.00 for the season.

The Healthy Altoona Partnership, City of Altoona and Southeast Polk FFA students built the garden in one day.

Two large and four small plots are dedicated to Kids Club plant and learn.

Two large and four small plots are dedicated to planting for community giving. Produce is donated to local food pantries including the Altoona Carin Hands Food Bank and the Altoona Senior Meal Center.

The community giving plots were harvested throughout the season and approximately 1,200 lbs of produce was donated to the Caring Hands Food Bank, Hope Ministries and Central Iowa Shelter and Services.

Once a month a Garden Party is hosted at the garden with the Polk County Extension Services offers fresh herb and vegetable food tasting, food preparation tips and recipes. The party is open to the public.

Also, an annual fundraising Farmer’s Market is open to the public and held in late July or early August.